EDITOR’S NOTE: An abbreviated version of this story was published Saturday. The full version being printed today appeared in Saturday’s edition of our sister twice-weekly newspaper, Allied News of Grove City.

Former Grove City College student John Gechter will never forget his experience at the third-most conservative campus in America.

Given that distinction by U.S. News and World Report, the college is strict in its policies: Co-eds are not allowed in each other’s dormitories after a certain hour; attending church services is a requirement of graduation; and walking on the grass is highly frowned upon.

So when it was discovered through an anonymous e-mail April 23 that Gechter, 22, acted in gay pornography, the Philadelphia native’s life was turned upside down.

GCC officials decided to indefinitely suspend Gechter for one year after an April 27 meeting, one of many he had with college administrators. GCC ruled that Gechter could seek re-admission in one year, but only if he ceased acting in pornography.

Gechter appealed that decision but the ruling was upheld by an appeals board comprised of faculty and students.

Gechter was about to make his final appeal to the provost when he struck a deal with GCC late Tuesday.

“(GCC) offered me a deal that if I withdrew, they would let me transfer a few courses that I need to graduate,” Gechter explained. “I’ll be able to transfer those credits to GCC and I will still graduate with a GCC degree.”

Gechter’s tenure at GCC officially ended on May 5 after he withdrew from the college. He said he plans to move to New York City in the next few weeks, where he will be headlining a play, “Love for Sale,” and also be taking his two bio-chemistry courses this summer.

“(The play) is one of the doors that porn has opened for me,” Gechter admitted. “I’ll also be looking at universities in the city, which there are plenty of.”

Gechter had considered suing the school for damages if he was indefinitely suspended. He had also planned to sue individual students for slander and defamation of character after receiving more than 150 of what he called “hate mails.” Gechter also said fruit was thrown at him in the cafeteria.

But Gechter said he is willing to let that all go if he can graduate with a GCC degree.

“If (the college) just lets me transfer credits and finish this situation quietly, (legal action) is not something I’m going to pursue,” Gechter said. “It’s not the best of all solutions, but it’s fair.”

GCC students seemed divided on the Gechter case. Some were sympathetic with his situation, since he was so close to graduation; some were in agreement with the school; and others did not wish to comment at all.

Sophomores John Harding and Jon Muldermans said they agreed with GCC’s initial decision to suspend Gechter.